Backyard BBQ with Fire and Spice Book Review

By Carlene Phelps

Editor

[email protected]

Many of our readers are already familiar with the author, Tony Ramirez, thanks to his trail left on TFTI BBQ (Thanks For The Invite) brand. You might also be one of those hooked by his addictive “Dynamite Lumpia”. No matter where you know Tony from, chances are you agree with his signature phrase, “That’s Money.” These pages are filled with Filipino and Cajun inspired recipes for the smoker and grill — along with much more for the new or seasoned BBQ cook.

In his first book, available on May 9th, he invites us into his own backyard for an insider’s guide to how he crafts his BBQ. You’ll find a variety of cooking techniques and discover new flavor profiles with one-of-a-kind recipes sure to impress your family and friends.

Several things impressed this writer about this new BBQ book:
1. It’s a show ‘n tell — the photography is outstanding!
2. Features two of the favorite groups of recipes: Filipino and Cajun
3. Definitely first-hand knowledge by the author and it shows.
4. Limited ingredients to complete the recipes … and readily available or already in the pantry or on your spice rack.
5. Myriad of information for the beginner and even things the seasoned professional may not know or the basics you may have forgotten.

Tony Ramirez draws heavily on his parent’s cooking and culinary traditions — Filipino and Cajun. He grew up in a family whose mother, Patricia Ramirez, was a legendary cook with her Cajun and Filipino heritage, and crafted her own unique flair to preparing great food. Tony watched and learned his entire childhood and shares it here in his first book. His father, Efren Ramirez Sr., was a cook in the Navy and also an inspiration, although his mother was always his biggest cooking inspiration with her large collection of cookbooks and recipes.

Whether you’re looking for general BBQ tips, Filipino favorites, Cajun Fire and Smoke, Wings Every Which Way, Party Food or Smoke It — it’s all here. The “Smoke It” section contains about 20 recipes with everything from Bacon-Wrapped Pork Belly Lollipops to Smoked Salmon Chowder. Yum… is the word.

Yes, Tony Ramirez is one of the best-loved creators in the BBQ community. For over five years he’s built his audience @tfti.bbq on Instagram and TikTok. Backyard BBQ with Fire and Spice is published by Harvard Common Press and available at your favorite book buying location on May 6, 2025.

My name is Tony Ramirez or Tone, also known as TFTI BBQ on my social media platforms. I was born in Charleston South Carolina but have lived almost my entire life in the Bay Area of Northern California. My passions revolve around the art of barbecue and savoring a good brew. I’ve honed my backyard barbecue skills over a span of 15+ years, being entirely self-taught through a combination of devouring BBQ Pit Master reruns, YouTube and learning from my own culinary mishaps. Back in 2021 I started my Social Media journey with no realistic ambitions to become anything more than just a guy that posts pictures and videos of good barbecue. Lo and behold it would have turned into a full time career all while supporting my family.